Wichita County's composite score of 68.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 38%, ranking it solidly among stronger U.S. counties for livability. The advantage comes from affordable housing and reasonable taxes supporting household finances.
2 / 5
Above-average Kansas county performer
At 68.8, Wichita County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, positioning it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county maintains solid competitive standing within Kansas.
3 / 5
Balanced affordability and modest incomes
Wichita County offers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 84.3, featuring a median home value of $98,700 and rent at $738 per month. The income score of 29.9 reflects a median household income of $71,282, the highest among these rural counties.
4 / 5
Limited data obscures full picture
While housing and income data exist, critical livability factors—schools, safety, health, and environmental quality—remain unavailable for assessment. The tax score of 61.0 is moderate rather than exceptional at a 1.468% effective rate.
5 / 5
Balanced rural county for steady earners
Wichita County suits working families earning modest but stable incomes who value affordable housing in a rural setting. Those seeking a balance between cost-of-living and earning potential, rather than extreme affordability or high incomes, will find this county's profile appealing.
Wichita County's composite score of 68.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 38%, ranking it solidly among stronger U.S. counties for livability. The advantage comes from affordable housing and reasonable taxes supporting household finances.
Above-average Kansas county performer
At 68.8, Wichita County ranks above Kansas's state average of 66.0, positioning it in the upper half of the state's counties. The county maintains solid competitive standing within Kansas.
Balanced affordability and modest incomes
Wichita County offers strong housing affordability with a cost score of 84.3, featuring a median home value of $98,700 and rent at $738 per month. The income score of 29.9 reflects a median household income of $71,282, the highest among these rural counties.
Limited data obscures full picture
While housing and income data exist, critical livability factors—schools, safety, health, and environmental quality—remain unavailable for assessment. The tax score of 61.0 is moderate rather than exceptional at a 1.468% effective rate.
Balanced rural county for steady earners
Wichita County suits working families earning modest but stable incomes who value affordable housing in a rural setting. Those seeking a balance between cost-of-living and earning potential, rather than extreme affordability or high incomes, will find this county's profile appealing.
Score breakdown
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🏛61
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.468%, Wichita County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 1.55%, placing it in the lower half of all U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,449 is just over half the national median of $2,690.
Competitive with Kansas average
Wichita County's 1.468% rate is slightly below Kansas's 1.549% state average. The median tax of $1,449 is well below the statewide median of $1,943, offering favorable tax treatment by state standards.
Among the lower-taxed in the group
Wichita County's 1.468% rate places it near the middle of this eight-county comparison, slightly above Thomas County and Wabaunsee but below Wallace County. It represents a reasonable option in the western Kansas tax landscape.
Affordable taxes on modest homes
The median home in Wichita County is valued at $98,700, with annual property taxes of $1,449. That's approximately $121 per month—among the lowest absolute tax burdens in the region.
Double-check your assessed value
Even low-tax counties experience assessment errors that cost homeowners money over time. A simple property tax appeal could uncover whether your assessed value aligns with similar homes in your area and unlock additional savings.
Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% sits well below national affordability thresholds, supported by median household income of $71,282 near the national median of $74,755. Renters here enjoy shelter costs that consume less than typical American housing burdens.
Upper-Half Affordability in Kansas
At 12.4%, Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio beats the Kansas state average of 14.7%, positioning it among the state's more affordable markets. Median rent of $738/month runs $49 below the state average.
Moderate Costs with Low Home Values
Wichita County's $738 rent aligns with Thomas County ($753) while remaining above Wallace County ($578) and Trego County ($694), reflecting balanced regional positioning. Its median home value of $98,700 represents the region's lowest, offering exceptional entry-level homeownership.
Renters Lead, Owners Follow
Renters pay $738 monthly while owners spend $717—unusually efficient—against the $71,282 median income, consuming 12% and 12% respectively. The parity between rent and mortgage costs makes Wichita County attractive for both housing tenures.
First-Time Homebuyers Welcome Here
Wichita County combines moderate rent, low home values, and balanced affordability ratios, making it ideal for renters ready to buy. Compare its $98,700 median home value and ownership costs against neighboring counties to assess your homeownership readiness.
Wichita County's median household income of $71,282 sits about $3,500 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it just shy of the national middle. For an isolated county in the high plains, this is a strong achievement.
Top Tier in Kansas Earnings
At $71,282, Wichita County's median income exceeds Kansas's state average of $64,428 by 11%, ranking it among the state's higher-earning counties. The per capita income of $35,838 slightly exceeds the state average, indicating reasonably broad-based prosperity.
Leading the Panhandle Economically
Wichita County's $71,282 income substantially outpaces Wallace ($60,263) and Greeley counties to the west, establishing it as an economic anchor in the northwest panhandle. Only Thomas and Trego counties rival Wichita's earning power in the region.
Affordable Housing Supports Stability
Wichita County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.4% is reasonable, and the median home value of just $98,700 makes homeownership accessible on local incomes. Housing affordability provides genuine breathing room for household budgets.
Turn Income Stability Into Assets
Wichita County's combination of strong income and low housing costs creates an ideal foundation for wealth-building through homeownership, retirement savings, and modest investment. Financial literacy programs can help residents convert income into lasting assets.
Wichita County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is 4.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, marking the lowest in this eight-county group. The county's 17.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 15.3%, reflecting a population burdened with chronic disease.
Worst health outcomes in Kansas
Wichita County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is nearly 4 years below the Kansas average of 75.4 years, placing it among the state's unhealthiest counties. The 17.1% poor/fair health rate is among the highest in Kansas, indicating serious population health challenges.
Region's most troubled health profile
Wichita County's life expectancy of 71.5 years is 7 years lower than top-performing neighbors like Trego County, revealing stark disparities. The county's 17.1% poor/fair health rate is the highest among these eight counties, signaling a health crisis requiring urgent intervention.
Highest uninsured rate compounds crisis
Wichita County's uninsured rate of 15.8% is the worst in this group and far exceeds the state average of 11.5%, leaving over 1 in 6 residents without coverage. Despite having the most primary care providers at 96 per 100,000 residents, mental health provider data is unavailable, and coverage barriers prevent many from accessing available care.
Get covered—your health depends on it
With 15.8% uninsured, Wichita County residents face the highest coverage gap in the region and must prioritize getting health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov, Kansas Medicaid, or a local health clinic immediately to find affordable coverage and connect with primary and mental health care.
At 8.17, Wichita County scores significantly below the national average with a "Very Low" rating for natural disaster risk. Your county ranks among the safer regions nationwide for natural hazard exposure.
Among Kansas's lowest-risk counties
Wichita County's 8.17 score sits well below the state average of 29.89, placing it in the safest tier of Kansas counties. Your location in the southwest provides exceptional protection across hazard categories.
Low risk consistent across region
Wichita County (8.17) aligns with nearby Trego County (2.70) and Wallace County (1.18) in the very-low-risk category. This western Kansas corridor represents one of America's safest natural disaster zones.
Wildfire and tornado minor concerns
Wildfire risk (9.96) and tornado risk (17.97) are your county's leading hazards, though both remain low in absolute terms. Earthquake (8.94) and flood (4.39) risks present negligible exposure.
Basic preparedness covers your needs
Maintain a basic disaster kit with water, flashlight, and first-aid supplies, and review your homeowners policy annually. Clear gutters of debris and trim tree branches away from your roof to minimize wildfire and water damage risk.